Blogging Tips

An Advanced Guide to SEO Review

From Penguins to Fred: A Brief History of Google’s Updates

You cannot underestimate the importance of SEO to your small business. But like many small business owners, freelancers literally anyone with a website the words “search engine optimisation” strike fear, worry and dread leaving you a quivering wreak. There are so many guides, areas, people offering to help with your SEO it can be hard to know who or what to put your energy in. However, it doesn’t have to be as hard as you think. I’ve been reading an Advanced Guide to SEO which you can download from Click Consult. The guide is split into 4 download chapters, alongside easy actionable points.

On Page Optimisation :

It’s easy to underestimate the importance of on page optimisation. Although it sounds complicated it really is as easy as making sure each page/post/product contains the following (if you are using the Yoast plugin on WordPress it will help you to do most of these things) :

Meta title tag : These need to be an accurate, concise and precise description of your content as is possible in 56 characters.

Meta Description : A clear and concise 155 character description of the on page content, watch out for duplicates, each needs to be unique.

Image Alt Tags : Always label your images correctly using the alt tag. This tag tells google what the image is and helps for those using a screen reader. Using an image that says image39985 just isn’t going to be google friendly.

Outbound Links : Always include at least 1 link to another website on each page.

Inbound Links : Sometimes referred to as deep linking, this is where you link back to other content or products on your website.

Just getting the above set in place for every page/product/blog post will make a big difference.

Keywords :

Have you developed a keyword strategy? Or even know how to get the best out of your key words. The Advanced SEO Guide suggests four simple steps :

Think like a consumer : It’s easy to choose keywords based upon your business but don’t forget to think about what your buyers will be searching for. Ask your customers, keep an eye on what keywords people use to find your website. How do they differ from those that you use? Pick both short and long tail keywords.

Look for gaps : Selling products online has never been easier, this can however mean you can find yourself in a crowded marketplace. When looking for keywords don’t compete against other established companies. Instead seek out gaps when you can dominate.

Consolidate gains : If you begin to rank for certain terms, continue to target these keywords and expand your target list.

* What are long tail and short tail keywords? Long tail keywords are three and four keyword phrases which are specific to the products you are selling. So for example in the case of my party supplies business Charlie Moo’s I use “handmade party bags” or “party loot bags”, specific phrases searched by my customers as lets face it not many people will be searching for Charlie Moo’s. Short tail keywords are search phrases with only one or words “birthday” “party” *

The Advanced Guide to SEO is split into 4 chapters and written in a pick up and action way meaning you can work gradually through rather than feeling overwhelmed. It’s definitely worth a free download.

Search

Welcome

Joanne is a 30 something coffee lover living in rural Dorset with her long suffering partner and three children. Alongside this blog Joanne is owner, designer and creator at Charlie Moo's specialising in handmade fabric party bags.
Sage Business Expert and author of Crafting a Successful Small Business.
In 2010 Joanne was named Dorset Business Mother of the Year and has numerous accolades and awards to her name.
In her spare time she likes to eat and watch crime dramas sometimes at the same time!